Destroyed records provide problem in Massachusetts

Documents can be destroyed for a number of reasons, from malicious eradication to cover up a crime or accidental destruction in a fire or other disaster. No matter the reason, if this happens and there aren't any backups, companies can face legal, financial and a number of other problems.

Lawmakers in Massachusetts are currently contending with this problem, according to The Patriot Ledger. After it became known that state highway safety director Sheila Burgess had been involved in a number of traffic violations, local officials began asking how the woman obtained her position. However, the newspaper said that Governor Deval Patrick admitted that Burgess' employment records were destroyed, so the answer may not be found.

Though it is unknown if the records may be present on another medium, businesses can take precautions and invest in an electronic document management system so they don't experience these issues. Hiring managers can scan employment documents from day one, placing them online so even if the file is lost or misplaced, there will always be a backup should questions arise.

Brought to you by Image One Corporation, providing government and industry compliance solutions since 1994.